Equipment

GM Growing Lineup of B20 Biodiesel Vehicles

January 17, 2017
• by Staff

Photo of Chevrolet Express cutaway courtesy of GM.

General Motors' lineup of 19 diesel-powered vehicles will reach 20 with the launch of its new Class 4 to 5 straight truck it's co-developing with Navistar, GM announced at the National Biodiesel Conference on Jan. 17 – all of them approved for use with B20, a blend of 20% biodiesel and 80% ultra-low sulfur diesel.

"Diesel propulsion deserves wider consideration by fleet managers across the country," said John Schwegman, director of commercial product and medium duty for GM Fleet. "Truck customers know that diesel power lets them tow and haul big loads with confidence. In cars and crossovers like the Chevrolet Cruze and Equinox, diesel propulsion can deliver hybrid-like highway fuel economy with less complexity and driving range that can top 500 miles on the highway."

The lineup of vehicles includes five new diesel-powered entries in the 2017 and 2018 model years, including the 2017 Chevrolet Express cargo van, 2017 Chevrolet Silverado HD pickups, 2017 Chevrolet Cruze compact sedan, 2018 Chevrolet Equinox, and the new Class 4 to 5 truck.

GM is adding redesigned diesel engines to the Cruze and truck lineup and adding a diesel option for the first time with the Express and Equinox.

The vehicles can operate on B5 or B20 biodiesel blends and retain their manufacturer warranty, said Rita Kass-Shamoun, a GM Fleet spokeswoman.

"With biodiesel production and retail distribution expanding, and so many proven benefits, we believe more fleets will embrace the technology as part of their sustainability plans," Schwegman said. "If our diesel customers fueled exclusively with B20, we estimate that consumption of petroleum-based fuels could be reduced by hundreds of millions of gallons annually."

It didn't take long for tariffs to be implemented after the International Trade Commission reversed its stance on imported tires from China. As of Feb. 15, new tires from China are being subjected to tariffs.

Morgan Truck Body reached an agreement with General Motors Fleet to increase the number of bailment pool locations, allowing it to more swiftly meet growing demands for upfitted Chevrolet and GM vehicles.

Ford is ending its commercial heavy truck business in South America, ceasing production of its Cargo lineup, F-4000 and F-350, as well as its Fiesta, and redirecting its focus instead on SUVs and popular pickups in the region.

In a seeming repeat of last year's performance, Daimler Trucks North America said it is effectively sold out for the remainder of the 2019 model year. The company sold a record 175,950 units in 2018. It was the largest year ever for retail sales in the history of the company, said Richard Howard, DTNA’s senior vice president – sales and marketing.